**15. Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule SLAMF molecules**

They comprise nine type I trans-membrane glycoprotein receptors that provide potent co-stimulatory signals for the TCR-CD3, complex and mediate regulatory signals between immune cells. Defective SLAMF signals result in B and T cell abnormalities and impaired antibody production. SLAMF 3 and SLAMF 6 molecules are expressed at higher levels on T cells in patients with lupus contributing to SLE pathogenesis [27].
